'Diverging diamond' interchange proposed along University Parkway

SARASOTA – An unusual traffic interchange could be put in place on University Parkway to deal with increased traffic along interstate 75.

Engineers are proposing what's known as a "diverging diamond" at the interchange on University Parkway at I-75. Transportation officials say they expect an increase in traffic when the new mall is built nearby, as well as from the rowing facility at Benderson Park.

The layout would require the traffic on University Parkway to briefly switch sides. That would reduce the two traffic signals to “two-phase” signals and remove the need for left turn leads onto and off the interstate, reducing traffic delays.

There are fewer than 20 of these intersections in use across the country.

Right now, it's not clear where the money for the project would come from.